Football | Absa Premiership

SuperSport add to Ajax CT's woes

Aubrey Modiba scored the only goal of the game as SuperSport United beat Ajax Cape Town 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Eric Tinkler's troops bounced back to winning ways following defeat in the 2017 Caf Confederations Cup final this past weekend, to move up to 10th place on the log standings. The Urban Warriors remain in 14th spot and in deep trouble.

Matsatsantsa conjured the first chance of the encounter with eight minutes on the clock. There was good work by Thuso Phala and Bradley Grobler to tee up Modiba who's left-footed rocket whistled wide of goal.

The game lacked any real rhythm in the opening exchanges with both sides guilty of squandering possession too easily.

SuperSport, though, looked the more likely to open the scoring and duly did so in the 25th minute through the versatile Modiba.

Richard Kissi Boateng was the provider, with the fullback skipping past Rheece Evans before floating an inch-perfect cross into the area - Modiba making no mistake as he nodded home from close range.

The hosts continued to dominate as Fagrie Lakay and Grobler called Jody February into action. The shot-stopper was at his brilliant best to keep out former teammate Grobler, whose volley attempt looked sure to rattle the back of the net.

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At the opposite end of the pitch Reyaad Pieterse was a mere spectator, with the burly goal-minder untested as the two teams headed for the tunnel at the break.

The Urban Warriors emerged from the changing rooms a different unit following the interval, launching wave after wave of attack.

Ajax Cape Town captain Mosa Lebusa took it upon himself to lead the charge and went close in the 56th minute. The fullback weaved his way into the area only to be denied at the final hurdle.

Pieterse then pulled off an excellent save to keep out a Tashreeq Morris thunderbolt from range just short of the hour mark as the visitors turned the screws.

Despite an improved performance in the second half, Ajax Cape Town failed to find the equaliser as SuperSport held on for all three points.